Data Display Tools
Users of USPLN data have a multitude of options for display, manipulation, and analysis of lightning events.
The MAP INFO DISPLAY SYSTEM (MIDS) is a Windows application program that can display, manipulate, and analyze real-time lightning data from the USPLN. MIDS includes key features for operational users in industries such as utilities, forestry, transportation, munitions, mining, and aviation:
- Customizable lightning data viewer with symbolization by time or amplitude, and filtering by event type.
- Comprehensive event display including date, time, amplitude, polarity, and type information
- Robust alerting with audible and visual alarms, range rings and alert area definition.
- User analysis tools such as distance measurement, layer symbolization, decluttering and error ellipses.
- Data archival, retrieval, display and looping for historical analysis.
Google Earth™ (release planned late 2008)
Google Earth provides an ideal way to view lightning data in reference to high-resolution imagery and other relevant geographic features of interest. USPLN lightning data will be available as a streaming real-time or delayed data file that is fully compatible with Google Earth. The USPLN - Google Earth interface is extremely end-user friendly, with the capabilities to support operational needs.
- Subscription-based user authentication and access to Google Earth .kml file.
- Individual user profiles with pre-defined start location, coverage, and data attributes.
- Lightning event information (location, time, amplitude) can be exposed or hidden .
- Storm cell representation at higher Google Earth altitudes to expedite display.
- Support for advanced requirements such as animation/looping, error ellipse analysis, and alerting regions.
USPLN data can be integrated into commercial off-the-shelf software applications, such as GIS/mapping tools, or custom-built systems, utilizing one of the many available formats and delivery mechanisms.